This federal government shutdown has really hurt COI, so many of our customers, and community partners. By now, most of you have heard about the shutdown and its impact on Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funded Community Action Agencies and their programs like Weatherization, Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Head Start and now SNAP and WIC.

At this time, COI will not be closing any of our programs, including Head Start.

➤ Without a federal appropriation, COI has temporarily lost access to almost all our federal funding, including CSBG, and now Head Start funds as of November 1, 2025.

➤ The opening of the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) has been delayed for an undetermined period.

➤ Columbia Opportunities and our volunteers are working hard to continue to provide Head Start and other CSBG funded essential services to our customers.

➤ COI has received generous donations from community members, trusted vendors, volunteers, our staff, and our family members. We have also received support from the Kimmelman Family Foundation, the Hudson River Bank & Trust Foundation, and the NYS Legislature.

➤ You can also help by making a contribution to our Strength in Action! Campaign to help us reach $10,000 so we can receive a matching gift from a generous donor.

➤ We are also gratefully accepting donations of shelf stable food and personal care items for our neighbors of all ages who must rely on our CSBG funded Emergency Food Pantry.

➤ With all this help, for now, COI will stay open as long as we have the resources to do so.

➤We will notify our community of any changes in our services or schedule.

➤ Please visit our website columbiaopportunities.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

➤ Thank you all for your support, your loyalty and the trust you continue to have in Columbia Opportunities - your local Community Action Agency.